H+R has over 30 years’ experience in building investigation services throughout Surrey and the UK, and provides remedial specification and in-house consultancy services for modern, older and historic buildings affected by damp penetration issues and many other building related problems.
We are an independent team of building material defect surveyors and specialist consultants, and can call on the expertise of other authoritative sources including academic experts and specialist reference laboratories to get the most effective service and advice for our clients. In that way, we are perfectly placed to provide the best coordinated information and ‘holistic’ advice on damp and decay issues affecting buildings.
Damp Penetration
Our detailed process of investigation and remedial specification for water penetration and damp problems involves:
- Moisture and salt profiling of masonry in accordance with BRE Guidance Note 245
- Assessment of existing damp proof courses
- Investigation of residual moisture after fire and flood
- Independent assessment of damp proof system design and installation to BS8102:2009
Initially, our team will work to identify all current or latent building defects that allow water penetration and ‘moisture reservoirs’ where water has accumulated in building materials, providing the conditions for damage to finishes or services and for damp or decay during and after refurbishment.
Electrical and gravimetrical techniques are used to produce moisture profiles through affected structures to provide information on hygroscopic and gravimetric moisture content on sample analysis and also to ascertain the quantity of moisture in the masonry masses and its source in relation to rising and penetrating damp.
The moisture profile allows assessment of any drying down period together with remedial advice to the design team on detailing of final finishes in specific locations, to allow continuing drying after refurbishment and avoiding potentially expensive, destructive and inappropriate chemical remedial damp proofing treatments and proprietary tanking systems.
The results of H+R’s comprehensive damp penetration investigations are produced as CAD overlays, tables and schedules of defects together with remedial recommendations for the most cost-effective works for controlling damp problems during and after refurbishment.
Cost-effective accelerated drying measures can also be specified and managed if significant ‘moisture reservoirs’ are detected or if significant water penetration occurs during the refurbishment, e.g. due to defective temporary roofs and roof drainage. In this way, unnecessary programme or cost overruns can be avoided.
Damp Proof Courses
H+R’s specialist Surrey based team will investigate existing original and subsequent damp proof courses (DPCs) for type, condition and performance. The DPCs are ‘proved’ and certified for the building warranty provider. H+R’s input in this area can result in very significant savings against provisional sums for injected damp proof courses and other ‘damp proofing’ treatments.
Condensation
For condensation arising from ventilation, life-style and heating issues, we will investigate:
- Passive and mechanical ventilation
- Interstitial condensation problems
- Heating and insulation
- Computer modelling of thermal performance and dew point
- Relative humidity levels
- Mould identification and risk management
Based on our survey, remedial advice and consultancy can be provided to support the design team, so as to avoid risks of interstitial and cold bridge condensation. Advice will be given on the provision of insulation and ventilation pathways in accordance with Building Regulations Parts F and L sensitive to a listed structure, where appropriate. Condensation risk analysis according to British Standard 5250 and assessment of exposure to wind driven rain according to British Standard 5628 are undertaken.
At H+R, we prefer to identify root causes of damp penetration and condensation problems instead of simply treating the symptoms, and we avoid emphasising product led solutions. Our involvement in a project generates significant savings in provisional sums set aside for chemical treatments. We are very pragmatic in our approach and are highly regarded by building warranty providers and as NHBC and Premier as well as insurers and loss adjusters.
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Get in touch today
Main Office:
Netley House, Gomshall, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 9QA
For any marketing enquiries please contact
marketing@handr.co.uk.
T: 01483 203 221
E: ei@handr.co.uk
Damp Penetration Gallery
Testimonials
I have known and seen work undertaken by Hutton+Rostron for over 20 years. I have always been impressed by their professional approach and depth of knowledge in the field of building surveys and pathology.
When it comes to seeking expert advice on the condition of the timber in an old building we turn to Hutton+Rostron whom we know we can rely upon to give a thorough and efficient appraisal which we can then use to develop the scope of the repairs.
We have worked with Hutton + Rostron over many years now, and find them knowledgeable, professional, helpful and practical. They understand both the needs of historic buildings and the forces driving their alteration, which means that their expert advice is always framed in a suitable way. We greatly enjoy our relationship with them, and look forward to many more years of collaboration.
H+R have provided a great service; I’m particularly happy with the high level of technical knowledge of their staff and willingness to take time to explain what they are doing and why. I thoroughly recommend them.
Squire and Partners have worked closely with Hutton + Rostron on a number of projects, including the UNISON Headquarters and 74 St James’s Street.
We have been impressed by their depth of knowledge of historic buildings and look forward to working with them again in the future.
Having worked as Project Manager on a number of high-value, listed houses, there is in my opinion clear benefit and value to a project in having H+R on board at the earliest stage possible.
Understanding the hidden condition of a historic building is crucial in making accurate budget and programme estimations. Hutton + Rostron provide an unrivalled service in this sector allowing us to make informed decisions and mitigate the risks of historic building fabric before they materialise. Hutton + Rostron have provided input on a number of Walton Wanger projects, providing us with a range of environmental investigations, which have enabled the design process and contract negotiations to be more accurate and more robust.
Hutton + Rostron and Sandberg have enjoyed a long standing and valued professional relationship and expect this to continue and develop in the future. Our work together ranges from the routine to the quirky, with the latter often being the most fascinating and therefore enjoyable!
Now that we have reached the end of the works at Great Portland Street, I would like to thank you and your team for all your efforts. The reports on existing condition provided by the team at Hutton + Rostron were invaluable and helped us de-risk the project for GPE. Equally your assistance throughout the project where unforeseen issues arose was gratefully received.
A full service through pre-construction, construction and early occupation.
Get in Touch with H+R
For more information contact our team on 01483 203221 or request a call back by clicking on the button below.